Drucella Andersen
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
June 16, 1993
(Phone: 202/358-4727)
Donald Nolan
Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, Calif.
(Phone: 805/258-3447)
RELEASE: 93-115
NASA F-15 BEING READIED FOR ADVANCED MANEUVERING FLIGHT
A specially-modified NASA F-15 research aircraft, which could
substantially advance the cruising efficiency and flight
maneuverability of future U.S. aircraft, arrived yesterday at the
agency's Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, Calif.
This research program could substantially advance the cruising
capability and flight maneuverability of future aircraft.
The research program will test how advanced thrust vectoring
engine nozzle technology can improve the aircraft's performance
during cruising flight or in maneuvering. NASA will use the new
F-15 in the Advanced Control Technology For Integrated Vehicles,
ACTIVE, program.
"When we add the advanced multi-axis thrust vectoring engine
nozzles and advanced aircraft computing and control systems, this
F-15 will be an exceptional flight research facility," said Dr.
James Stewart, Project Manager.
Developed by Pratt & Whitney Government Engines and Space
Division, West Palm Beach, Fla., the new thrust vectoring system
will fly for the first time on the NASA F-15. The nozzles, much
lighter than previous exhaust vectoring systems, could be
retrofitted to existing aircraft or used in future aircraft
designs.
NASA will use the modified F-15 to expand digital-integrated
flight and propulsion control system studies. This research will
be complex because these F-15 systems now must control canards
(small wings) on the plane's forward fuselage and a set of
innovative engine exhaust-directing nozzles.
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The F-15 has an advanced electronic cockpit, fully digital
flight controls, an extensive computer system and originally, was
built to carry the load of a vectoring system.
The nozzles can direct the F-15's engine exhaust in a full
circle up to a 20-degree angle. This will permit researchers to
study maneuvering qualities using the nozzles for pitch (up and
down) and yaw (side to side) control.
Dryden will install two F-100-229 Pratt & Whitney engines, the
vectoring nozzles and an advanced Vehicle Management System
computer to modify the aircraft to the ACTIVE program
configuration.
The first phase of the program is expected to start in late
1993. It is a joint effort of NASA, the Air Force, Pratt & Whitney
and McDonnell Douglas, St. Louis, Mo.
The F-15, on loan from the U.S. Air Force, was flown to Dryden
from the McDonnell Douglas plant in St. Louis by NASA research
pilot Jim Smolka and McDonnell Douglas pilot Stephen Herlt.
The U.S. Air Force used the F-15 from 1985 to 1991 in a test
program to prove technologies for short take off and landing and
"up-and-away" maneuvering of military aircraft.
-end-
NOTE TO EDITORS: Video and stills of the F-15's arrival are
available from the Dryden media relations office, 805/258-3447.